Celtics' McHale Has Hairline Fracture in Foot

BOSTON — X-rays of Boston Celtics forward Kevin McHale's right foot revealed a hairline fracture of a small bone, but doctors said it did not result from his week-old ankle injury, team officials said Friday.

The X-rays showed McHale had a "pre-existing, non-displaced, incomplete hairline fracture of the tarsal navicular bone of his right foot," said team spokesman Jeff Twiss.

Doctors said the fracture was not related to a sprained right ankle McHale suffered in last Sunday's 105-96 playoff victory over the Chicago Bulls, Twiss said. Doctors were not certain how the fracture developed.

The team said McHale was doubtful for the first game of their next series.

Doctors said McHale would be evaluated on a day-to-day basis and the fracture was not expected to affect his play once he has recovered from the sprained ankle, Twiss said.

McHale skipped practice Friday and was treating the sprain with a muscle stimulation machine along with ice and rest.

The Celtics swept the Bulls in three games to advance to the NBA's Eastern Division semifinals.